Byron Bay residents are again battling flood waters, with parts of the Shire and Northern Rivers receiving “extraordinary” rainfall in the last 24 hours.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) gauges recorded 319mm of rain at Coopers Shoot in the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday morning, 282mm at Byron Bay, 236mm at Myocum, while Alstonville received 431mm.
“[Wednesday] morning we woke to flooding in Byron Bay and Suffolk Park, more damage to our roads, especially in the hinterland, and even more people and businesses impacted by this run of terrible weather. Our thoughts are with everyone affected and dealing with the aftermath today,” Byron Shire Council said in an online statement.
“Many of our staff live in this community too and have been flood affected or could not get to work, making things just that little bit more difficult as we responded to emergencies.
“Our Water, Sewer and Works teams have been doing the best they can and as things dry out it will once again be full steam ahead for us as we get services restored and roads and accesses reopened where possible.
“Once again, we have put our regular Flood Recovery Update on hold as we push through this latest rain event and bring you a summary of relevant information from Council.”
Where possible, Council staff were out assessing damage to the local road network throughout yesterday.
“We are working to ensure MyRoadInfo is updated with the most accurate information we have about damage and flood impacts on our roads,” Council said.
The Byron Bay town centre remains inundated with stormwater.
Several roads remain barricaded and will not be opened until it is safe to do so. This includes Shirley Street, and the Sunrise Boulevard intersection at Ewingsdale Road. Traffic controls are in place, Council said late yesterday.
“The Byron Industrial Estate is now clear. Some roads in Suffolk Park are still inundated by flood waters.”
“We have received reports of further damage to our causeways at Palmwoods and Main Arm and our crews will be out inspecting these as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Significant damage has occurred at the Beatties Creek causeway on Goonengerry Road. Whian Road also remained impassable [yesterday afternoon].”
The Cavanbah Centre Byron Bay was opened as an Evacuation Centre yesterday morning by the lead agencies (Department of Communities and Justice and Northern Rivers NSW SES).
The other two evacuation centres in the Byron Shire are:
- Ocean Shores Country Club, Orana Road, Ocean Shores.
- Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club, 58 Dalley St, Mullumbimby.
